Metrics
17 readers on Mendeley
Journal article
Athletes ECG stress characteristics in Division II college athletes: A preliminary analysis
Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, Vol.2, pp.183-187
2
2020
Metrics
156 Record Views
Abstract
Purpose
Two-thirds of sudden cardiac deaths are attributable to underlying cardiovascular conditions in young collegiate athletes. A 12-lead exercise stress test is a screening tool that can detect these abnormalities that may predispose collegiate athletes to sudden cardiac death, and can ensure athletes meet the physical demands of training and competition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of Division II collegiate athletes using the Seattle Criteria.
Methods
Fifty two athletes (males = 26; females = 26) of various ethnicities (Caucasian = 65%, Latino/Hispanic = 20%, and African American = 15%); from soccer (27%), tennis (17%), basketball (15%), softball (14%), cross country (9%), volleyball (6%), football (6%), and swimming (6%) completed cardiovascular screening with resting and exercise 12-lead ECG analysis. ECG abnormalities and anthropometrics were compared across race, gender, and sports using an ANOVA. Chi-square analysis was used to test for differences in the frequency of ECG findings across gender, race, and sports.
Results
Although sport was not a predictor for an abnormal ECG, 73% of the athletes presented with athletes’ heart configuration, which was significantly higher in males than females (P = 0.02). The highest occurrence of these adaptations was observed in 100% of Latino/Hispanic athletes, compared to 75% of African American and 64% of Caucasian athletes.
Conclusion
With newer and more sensitive ECG screening criteria, the prevalence of false-positive tests is declining. Future research should focus on advancing the sensitivity and specificity of ECG interpretation in more diverse athletic populations regarding race and gender. The increasing incidence of sudden cardiac death in collegiate athletes warrants future research that evaluates the impact of implementing the 12-lead ECG as a standard screening tool for collegiate athletes.
Related links
Details
- Title
- Athletes ECG stress characteristics in Division II college athletes
- Publication Details
- Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, Vol.2, pp.183-187
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing AG; Switzerland
- Series
- 2
- Copyright
- © Beijing Sport University 2020
- Identifiers
- 99380090769106600
- Academic Unit
- Usha Kundu, MD College of Health; Movement Sciences and Health
- Language
- English